Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton released a joint statement on December 23, 2010 on the post-presidential elections situation in Belarus. Secretary Clinton and EU High Representative Ashton called for the immediate release of presidential candidates and demonstrators who have been taken into custody.

The Secretary and EU High Representative said, "We strongly condemn all violence, especially the disproportionate use of force against presidential candidates, political activists, representatives of civil society and journalists. Taken together, the elections and their aftermath represent an unfortunate step backwards in the development of democratic governance and respect for human rights in Belarus. The people of Belarus deserve better.

"The European Union and the United States recognize the serious problems with the electoral process and the vote count as reported by the OSCE election observation mission and urge the Government of Belarus to meet its commitments to the OSCE to substantially reform the electoral process. The Government of Belarus should take the steps necessary to create political space for political activists, civil society representatives, and independent journalists.

"Respect for democracy and human rights remain central to improving Belarus' relations with the United States and the European Union. Without substantial progress in these areas, relations will not improve. It is against this background that we will be assessing the Government of Belarus' actions to address the current situation and to take developments into account as we review our relations with Belarus. The European Union and the United States intend to continue their support for and engagement with the people of Belarus and civil society representatives."

Our family to all, we wish you a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Years coming. It has been an interesting year, but all in all we made it through it. This is a good time for Leaders around the world give thanks and remember its the little people who make big things happen.

Also be advised when travelling these days ahead, use good security sense, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Check your phones to ensure batteries are charged up, always have some bottled water, or canned goods stocked in case the loss of power. Portable radios come in handy. Use good common sense, and above all enjoy this Holiday Season. If you drink alcohol do it at home or call a taxi to ensure you get to your destination safely.

Peace on earth and Merry X-Mas! Ho Ho Ho!

Kathy

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China

December 24, 2010

Kathy in China writes:

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to Secretary Clinton... Tomorrow will be better.

palgye

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South Korea

December 26, 2010

Palgye in South Korea writes:

To,
Thank you John P.
in Greece.. Greec? How`s there? so many demo? or sunny beach?

Happy Christmas,Holidays.

I hope for democracy in Belarus, while Christmas is ...
Is it too political?

palgye

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South Korea

December 26, 2010

Palgye in South Korea writes:

Belarus supports that someone could be reborn as a democratic country and I think, a little comic representation of my commitment to time ... The development of the country is slow, but by the dictatorship to democracy is feasible. Minority dictatorship, in person or by paying for it and I think.

Recently about health care reform got in to a judge as unconstitutional, for whom it is state law and the social system rather than to think we should hold on reality. We aim to live as a survival reality that most people think is right and, unwittingly pass it on intact to form a variety of doing one of the reasons I think.

For those who do not make a corresponding punishment, but,,,
feel the fear of receiving punishment opponents think. Who should get the death penalty if the social service activities, the relative order and think that era outfit. Even the great Roman jurists, if I lived back in the archives just to buy is suitable. We do not live to learn the history, make history live together I think. History is sometimes cruel, I think. To live all of humanized ...